Deira International School
British, IB curriculum, Dubai Festival City, FS1–Year 13
Latest documents: Full Inspection Report 2023–24Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24, Parent Report 2023–24Source B: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only, Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27Source C: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Overall rating
Earlier reports
Wellbeing Dubai focus area
Inclusion Dubai focus area
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Parent Report 2023–24
Summary only
Checked 16 September 2026.
Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.
- Back to text, source C
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Overview
The school
- Curriculum
- British, IB
- Year groups
- FS1–Year 13
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2005
- External examinations
- GCSE, IGCSE, IB Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSO, IBO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP, confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 2,034 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 165 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 246 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 233 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Arab Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 3 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Simon O'Connor Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 9 Jan 2020, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 2 changes of principal
- Jeff Smith, 2011–12 to 2017–18 → Simon O'Connor, 2022–23 to 2023–24 → Ian Thurston, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Dubai Festival City
- Phone and email
- +971 4 232 5552director@disdubai.aePrincipal: Ian Thurston
- As KHDA's directory listed it on 2026-09-18. Source C: KHDA school directory 2026–27
Around the school
The map shows the streets and places around the school. The same places are counted in «Within 1 km» below.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2024–25
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source C
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Quality
KHDA ratings in the Full Inspection Report 2023–24. Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA visits schools again from 2026–27. A full inspection gives a new rating; a shorter monitoring visit does not.Source KHDA, 3 June 2026 (opens in a new tab)
OverallOverall performance
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 1 report, Very good in 5 reports, Good in 4 reports and Acceptable in 3 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 1 report.
Checked 16 September 2026.
Ratings by phase, 2023–24KHDA rates these in each phase, with no single rating for the whole school. Phases are named as the report names them.
| Area | Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary | Post-16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TeachingTeaching for effective learning | ||||
| Assessment | ||||
| CurriculumCurriculum design and implementation | ||||
| Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptation | ||||
| SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protection |
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
KHDA in brief
KHDA’s own one-page summary of its 2023–24 inspection, written for parents, word for word. The full inspection report remains the reference. Source A: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only
Students’ achievement
Attainment and progress are outstanding across the FS. Progress is outstanding in English, mathematics and science. Attainment ranges from very good to outstanding in English, mathematics and science. Attainment and progress are good in Islamic education. Attainment and progress ranges from acceptable to very good across Arabic. Students’ engagement, interactions, collaboration and communication skills are excellent.
Personal and social development
Students consistently exhibit positive and responsible behaviour, reinforced by exceptional attitudes, respectful relationships and a harmonious atmosphere. They have a secure understanding of Islamic values and extensive knowledge of Emirati culture as well as recognising the richness and diversity of the school community. They demonstrate excellent levels of understanding about sustainability and environmental awareness.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers very effectively support and challenge learners, and most lessons successfully develop a broad range of learning skills, knowledge and understanding. Lesson planning and organisation are generally very effective. The school has very robust systems to collect and analyse assessment data. Teachers use data very effectively in almost all lessons to match tasks to the needs of students and personalise their learning.
Wellbeing
Ensuring the well-being of its whole community is fundamental to the school’s mission. Leaders demonstrate a deep commitment to the school’s ambitious well-being vision. Teachers successfully create extremely nurturing well-being environments in which students thrive. Students are highly positive about their school. They say they are very well supported, and their ideas and suggestions are listened to and acted upon.
Inclusion
Governors and leaders promote a compelling vision for inclusion which permeates the whole of the school community. Barriers to learning are swiftly identified and intervention is skilfully delivered. Teachers know their students very well and parents are fully involved and consulted. Lesson plans are well adapted and delivered to meet their needs. Accurate assessments lead to the setting of ambitious targets. Students of determination are included and supported by their peers.
Leadership and management
The leadership of the school is highly effective. Self-evaluation is rigorous and wide-ranging. School leaders have an accurate sense of the school's strengths and weaknesses. The governing board holds leaders of the school to account for its performance. Parents make a highly positive contribution to raising standards. The management of the school is highly effective. Professional development is bespoke and responsive to the school’s development needs.
- Back to text, source A
Parent Report 2023–24
Summary only
Page 1
Checked 16 September 2026.
Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.
School year
31 Aug 2026 to 2 Jul 2027 · 185 school days
- First midterm break
- 12 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20265 days
- National Day
- 2 Dec 2026 to 3 Dec 20262 days
- Winter break includes New year’s day
- 14 Dec 2026 to 1 Jan 202719 days
- Eid al-Fitr
- 8 Mar 2027 to 11 Mar 20274 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
- Spring break
- 5 Apr 2027 to 9 Apr 20275 days
- Eid al-Adha
- 17 May 2027 to 18 May 20272 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
Public holidays are tentative and subject to official government announcements (KHDA).
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Academics
Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.
| Subject | Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary | Post-16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education | Not in this report | |||
| Arabic | Not in this report | |||
| English | ||||
| Mathematics | ||||
| Science |
Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Arabic at every school in Dubai: at least 4 lessons a week from Year 2 to Year 10 for a child of non-Arab nationality. Arab children have 4 to 6 lessons to Year 13; Muslim children also study Islamic Education.Source KHDA, Guidelines on National Mandatory Subjects, page 14 (opens in a new tab)
Subjects over the years
KHDA's words in every Full Inspection Report since 2015–16, each row and phase as the reports print them.
Subjects over the years, Deira International SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | ||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | ||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentPost-16 | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressPost-16 |
International and benchmark tests
The National Agenda section of each Full Inspection Report since 2015–16: the school's results in PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS and benchmark tests against KHDA's targets. The only results in the reports that are not an inspector's judgement.
KHDA's verdicts, 2023–24
| Aspect | Whole school | Emirati cohort |
|---|---|---|
| International and Benchmark Achievement | ||
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | ||
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- With an average score of 582, the school exceeded its 2021 target in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) and improved on the 2016 result.
- Progression in the benchmark assessment tests over two years is good in English and science, and very good in mathematics.
- Data from the standardised reading tests indicate that the large majority of students are achieving above expectations.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progress toward achieving its UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2016–17: Overall, the schools improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2015–16: no verdict read
Recognised by UAE universities?
UAE universities ask for the Ministry of Education’s equivalency of the Grade 12 certificate. For this school’s curricula, the student needs:
- British: five IGCSE or GCSE passes (grade E or 3) and one A level or two AS levels (grade E).
- Vocational only. A BTEC Level 3 Diploma counts as a technical certificate, not the general secondary certificate.
- IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.
- Vocational only. The IB Career-related Programme counts as a technical certificate, not the general secondary certificate.
Arab students also need Arabic, and Muslim students Islamic Studies, in each of the last three years.
KHDA attests the certificate first. Ask the school which body accredits it.Source Ministry of Education, equivalency service, read 24 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
School life
Sports and activities
What the school lists on its own website and what KHDA’s inspectors mention in their reports. An activity missing here may still be offered.
Award programmes
- Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP · Duke of Edinburgh Award programme
Facilities
- Swimming pool
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Model United Nations
- Debate & public speaking
- Athletics
- Design & fashion
- Drama
- Art
Also mentioned: Holy Qur’an competitions, recitation club, innovation competitions, charity ventures, service to the local community, Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2022–23
Page 14
Checked 16 September 2026.
What the school offers
As the 2023–24 inspection report mentions them. Inspectors name these in passing, so this is not the school's full list: something not named here may still be offered. A line's page opens the report's sentence.
Languages besides English
- Arabic · The Arabic curriculum is introduced to children in FS encompassing listening, speaking, writing, vocabulary and phonics.
External examinations
- IGCSE
- IB
Courses after 16
- IB Diploma · IB Diploma (IBDP)
- IB Career-related · career-related programmes
- BTEC · Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) options
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Detailed and well-informed procedures are used to identify students of determination as well as those who are gifted and talented. p. 4
- Rigorous and informed procedures identify students of determination. p. 19
- Comprehensive and highly focused support is put in place for students of determination. p. 19
- Excellent facilities and resources provide for a wide range of needs. p. 19
- Assessments ensure that provision is skilfully modified to cater for individual needs. Teachers know their students very well and competently deliver strategies and interventions outlined in the very detailed individual education plans (IEPs). p. 20
- Highly supportive classrooms ensure that students are included and encouraged by their classmates. p. 20
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 4
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 44,616 to AED 89,889Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
FS1 to Year 13, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Deira International School, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26
| Year group | 2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27 | 2025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | ||
| FS1 | AED 44,616 | AED 44,616 |
| FS2 | AED 44,616 | AED 44,616 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 58,034 | AED 58,034 |
| Year 2 | AED 58,034 | AED 58,034 |
| Year 3 | AED 58,034 | AED 58,034 |
| Year 4 | AED 58,034 | AED 58,034 |
| Year 5 | AED 58,034 | AED 58,034 |
| Year 6 | AED 63,057 | AED 63,057 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 63,057 | AED 63,057 |
| Year 8 | AED 68,094 | AED 68,094 |
| Year 9 | AED 68,094 | AED 68,094 |
| Year 10 | AED 71,453 | AED 71,453 |
| Year 11 | AED 81,501 | AED 81,501 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 89,889 | AED 89,889 |
| Year 13 | AED 89,889 | AED 89,889 |
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 1
The range names the lowest and highest tuition on one Fees Fact Sheet. Fees are never averaged across year groups.
- Back to text, source A
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Tuition for 15 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 15 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 2
Change compares the same year group in the two fact sheets. Fees are never averaged across year groups.
What a year costs, 2026–27
Choose a year group above to see KHDA's total for it, what the school requires you to buy, and the services you can add.
Findings
8 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 3 development points, 1 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Early years
Note 11 strength
StrengthFS and all phases
The excellent provision in FS and the outstanding progress in English, mathematics and science in all phases.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Students’ exemplary attitudes, behaviour and relationships, their understanding of Emirati culture and their strong contributions to the environment.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Development required
Analyse wellbeing provision to identify areas on which to focus future initiatives.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 9
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The high-quality support provided for health, care and safety.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength
Strength
Motivating leaders, supportive governors and engaged parents as well as excellent resources.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Inclusion of students of determination
1 strength
Strength
The strong commitment to inclusion and wellbeing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Arabic
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Raise attainment and progress in Islamic Education and Arabic.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Emirati students
1 development point
Development requiredEmirati students
Improve the reading literacy skills of Emirati students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 5
Findings from 1 of 10 reports
- Back to text, note 1
Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.
- Back to text, note 2
Recurring counts the school’s last 5 reports, 2016–17 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
13 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of Deira International SchoolOverall rating by academic year, newest first
- 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
- 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
- 2023–24Same as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- 2022–23Up from Very goodFull Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
- 2019–20Same as 2018–19Report not online
- 2018–19Same as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Same as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Same as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- 2015–16Up from GoodFull Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
- 2014–15Same as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- 2013–14Same as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)
- 2012–13Same as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- 2011–12Up from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- 2010–11Same as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- 2009–10Same as 2008–09Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- 2008–09First reportFull Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab)
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 1
Change compares each report with the school’s previous report. Years with no inspection are skipped, never counted as a change.
Snapshots by year
Students and staff by academic year, Deira International School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 2,034 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,879 | 165 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,756 | 157 | 29% |
| 2021–22 | 1,674 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,656 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,765 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 1,617 | Not available | Not available |
| 2017–18 | 1,566 | 182 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 1,599 | 160 | 20% |
| 2015–16 | 1,581 | 153 | 16% |
| 2014–15 | 1,493 | 153 | 16% |
| 2013–14 | 1,432 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 1,406 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 1,257 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 1,230 | Not available | Not available |
Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.
Sources
Every document behind this page. Official documents open on the KHDA site in a new tab.
Full Inspection Reports · PDF, English
- Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab)
Not online: the 2019–20 report. The timeline takes that year’s rating from KHDA’s open data.
Parent Reports · PDF, English
A shorter summary for parents. Findings and answers use the Full Inspection Report.
Fees Fact Sheets · web page, English
KHDA school directory · web page, English
KHDA school directory 2026–27 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2024–25 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2021–22 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2020–21 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)